Parachute.



E. R. CALTHROP.

PABACHUTE.

APPLICATION FILED AFR. I4, |914.

1,213,332. Patented Jan. 23,1917.

s SHEETS-SHEET 3.

s. n. CALTHROP.-

PAHACHUTE.

APPLICATION man APR. I4, 1914.

Patented Jan. 23,1917.

B SHEETS-'SHEET 4.

' Ifw n or- J l v by mlmcc mui/ML' Hotofney,

EVERABD RICHARD CALTHROP, 0F LONDON, EiNGIAAND.-

rABAcHUTE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

.Patented Jan. 23, 1917.

Application led April 14, 1914. Serial No. 831,785.

To all whom 'it may concern ABe it known that I, Evnimim RICHARD CAL- 'i'iiRoP, a subject of the King of Great Britain, residing at London, in the county of Middlesex, England, have invented new and useful' Improvements in and Relating to Parachutes, of which the following is a specification.

My invention has .reference to parachutes and like life saving appliances and is more particularly designed for use with aeroplanes air ships and like craft to provide a ieady and efficient means whereby the pilot or aeronaut may descend safely to the ground when necessary as in the event of an accident to the aeroplane or airI ship or which may' be employed for dropping a passenger with messages photo films or otherwise communicating intelligence as in thetime of war.

More particularly the invention has reference to parachutes of the kind wherein a fluid under 'pressure such as compressed air is introduced to the cover to assist in positively expanding it either by conducting the compressed fluid through telescopic or other tubes into a collapsible tubular framework carried by the cover or by folding the parachute within a housing to which compressed air is admitted to project the parachute into operative position.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide improvements in para-- chutes of the aforesaid kind which shall be Y simple in construction efficient in use and prompt and certain in operation so that in case of emergency the parachute may be instantly expanded clear of a damaged or falling`aeroplane or instantly expanded and released from` an air ship or the like thus avoiding the uncertainties and limitations of the initial dropibefore expandingof an ordinary parachute.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved arrangement of collapsible tubular framework into which a fluid stored under pressure in a reservoir carried on the aircraft may be admitted to positively expand the parachute cover and improved means for con ecting said framework and parachute cov r in such a manner as to admit of limited relative movement between them so that when the tubular framework is extended it will automatically take up `its correct position in Oron the cover of the parachute without strangulation of any part of the tubular construction.

Y proved means for nesting a parachute in a nest or box and for ejecting it clear of the aeroplane or the like; to provide means whereby all danger of the ropes'and cover of the parachute becoming entangled will be obviated; to provide a construction wherein the parachute may be )instantly released and expanded when emergency arises by means lunder the control of the aviator; to provide improved means whereby the pipe or pipes for supplying the compressed fluid to the parachute may be automatically severed or disconnected from the reservoir containing the compressed fluid when the para.- chute is expanded, and to provide improved means whereby an expanded parachute and a passenger may be detached from an air ship or balloon either by those in the car of the air ship or balloon or by the actuation of releasing means under the control of the passenger.

The aforementioned and other objects as may hereinafter appear or are incidental to my invention are attained by the means which I will now proceed to describe in detail for which purpose I shall refer to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a sectionalA view of the cover of a parachute suitable for releasing from an air ship or balloon and illustrating theV arrangement of "the collapsible tubular framework under this invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the head of a parachute'but showing the tubes for supplying compressed air from the valve to the tubular frame- `\voi k as located outside the cover instead of inside as in Fig. 1. Fig. is an elevation parts being shown in section of a parachute in accordance with this invention mounted in position upon an aeroplane and showing one means of positively expanding it. Fig. 4 illustrates a modification of the parachuteshown in Fig. 3. Figs. 5 and 5 are two sections of ya view partly in section and partly in elevation of a somewhat modified construction under this invention.y

Fig. 6 representsa vertical section of the valve located on the head or n ose of `the parachute; Fig. 7 is another view of the valve but shown reversed inthe head of the parachute to adapt the latter for use with an airship or the like. Fig. 8 illustrates a side elevation partly in section and Fig. 9 a sectional plan on line a*a of Fig. 8 of the mechanism for releasing an expanded parachute from an airship or balloon. Fig. 10 is a modified form of releasing means hereinafter more particularly referred to. Fig. 11 is a view of the expanded parachute suspended from an air ship and preparatory lto being released therefrom. Figs. 12 and 13 are detail views.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2 the collapsible tubular framework consists of annular tubes 1 and 2 connected by .the tubes 3. Said tubes are constructed of material substantially impervious to and capable of resisting a considerable pressure of air or other fluid to which end I may employ finely woven rubbered canvas or they may consist of rubber tubes inclosed in a rubbered canvas sleeve or casing the edges of said casing being cemented stitched or laced together as may be found most desirable or convenient. The tubular framework is loosely secured to the underside of the parachute cover 4 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 by means of the slings or straps 5 whereby limited relative movement between the framework and cover of the parachute will be permitted. i

Connected to theannular tube 2 such as rby means 5 are the pipes 6 for admitting the compressed air or other fluid under pressure said pipes being attached at 7 to the valve 8 mounted in the head or nose of the parachute.

In the particular construction shown in Fig. 3 the parachute is provided with a centi'al stem comprising two telescopic tubular l members 9 and 10 the tube 9 being connected directly to the valve 8 inthe head of the parachute and the tube 10 by' means of the pipe 11 a compressed air reservoir 12 mounted in an appropriate position upon Y the flying machine.

The tubes 9 and 10 are so constructed that when 'extended to their full length the end 13 of tube 9 and the end 14 of the tube 10V form a substantially tight /joint so that when air is admitted to the tube 10 from the. reservoir 12 as will presently be explained it escapes at 14. to the interior of the parachute unplaiting and partially expanding it which operation serves to extend 4the telescopic stem until the tubes reach thev limit of Atheir travel when they are automatically locked as by the provision of a spring snap or other device. The

4air thus being prevented from escaping at 14 will now flow through tube 9 to the valve 8 through which it passes to the collapsible tubiil'ar framework thereby iniiating it to positively expand thefparachute. Prefer- The parachute cover is secured to the ringv 17 by the guyiropes 18 which lead down radially fromthe cover and said guy ropes are folded back and forth within the mouth of the plaited cover as will be clearly seen on reference to Fig. 3. An elastic shield 19 is provided to envelop the mouth of the folded parachute being normally retained in position by the thickened elastic lip or ring 20 With which it is provided. The purpose of said shield is to prevent the external air obtaining access to the interior of the parachute during normallightfof the aeroplane and further to prevent the compressed air when admitted from expanding the parachute from escaping until such time as the internal air pressure is sufficient to overcome the resistance of the elastic shield when the edge of the cover 4 and the guy ropes 18 will be freed by the shield thus allowing the more full expansion of the cover.

It will be seen that the parachute folded or plaited around its central stem rests freely in and is supported horizontally by the fore and aft brackets 21 and 22 carried by the fuselage of the aeroplane at therear of the pilots seat 23. The ring 17 preferably forms part of a member 24 to which the parachute seat 25 is securely attached by the harness 2G said harness including the arm loops 27 for the pilot. The seat 25 is preferably arranged to fit a recess in the aeroplane seat 23 so that the aeronautvupon taking his place in the pilots seat and passinghis arms through the loops 27 shall be ready in any emergency to detach himself and the parachute from the flying machine without any preparation other than the single' act of operating the mechanism to release the air from the reservoir 12. One means for'eifecting this release will `now be described. Mounted on the frame o f the machine and within convenient reach of the pilotis an operating lever 28 connected by the rod 29 with the air valve 30 serving to admit air under pressure from the reservoir 12 to the pipe 11 through which it flows to the tubular stem 10 escaping at 14 to the interior of the parachute. Asthe ,air collects in the interior of the cover thev parachute is pars tially expanded the tube-9 of the stem being thus drawn out to its fullest extent when it becomes automatically locked to the end 14 of the tube 10. The air being thus shut olf at the point 14 will now flow at full pressure through the tube 9 to the valve 8 through which it passes to thefannular and radial tubes 1, 2 and 3. As this occurs the folded mouth of the parachute is stripped reduced to a minimumMI provide a cradle or from the elastic shield.l 19 and the cover'will be positively expanded to its largest diameter. The shock incidental to the opening of the parachute and its consequent assumption'of the load of the pilot draws that portion of the air pipell situated between the loops 27 and the pulley 31 taut and also draws upward the chains 32 which are in gear with sprocket wheels 33 thereby rotating said sprocket wheels to actuate the eccentrically mounted cutting shears 34 which are thus forced together to Asever the pipe llf and so entirely separating the pilot' and the parachute from the damaged flying machine.l c

A somewhat modified construction of parachute is shown in Fig. 4 in which the central -telescopic stem and collapsible tubular framework described with reference to Figs. 1 an'd 3 is dispensed with and the air from the reservoir 12 is introduced directly into the interior of the parachute cover through the tube 10 which is carried only so far'into the interior of the cover as is necessary toeffectively introduce the air therein. The rope 26 is continued through the middle of the cover and is made fast to the head or nose of the parachute.

In Figs. 5 and 5 I have illustrated means whereby the parachute may in case of emergency be instantly projected clear of the aeroplane and expanded. In this construction the parachute is not providedvwith a central stem the compressed air being fed 'directly to the valve 8 and tubular framework by the air pipe 1l. The parachute is snugly nested in'a box or casing 35 mounted on the fuselage of the air craft in such a manner asV to permit it to unfold and expand without danger of any of the parts thereof or the guy ropes becoming entangled or, otherwise obstructing the positive expansion of the cover when projected from the box. To this end that portion of the air. pipe 11 within Vthe box 35 is coiledv as shown and may be inclosed in a thin rubber or other envelop capable of being readily ruptured as the pipe uncoils. The guy ropes 18 are similarly coiled and enveloped for a like purpose. The air res-ervoir 12 is provided with a alve 37 controlled by the operating hand e 28 whereby air under pressure may be simultaneously admitted through the large bore pipe 38 and f valve 39 tothe box 35 and through the smaller bore pipe 11 to. the tubular framework carried by the parachute cover. rl .`he

. valve 39 is normally held open and the stem is connected to an open ended slotted .lever 40 engaged b v the link 41 which is attached by a cord 42 tothe air pipe 11.

In order that allthe parts liable to become entangled may be held in such a position that the danger of entanglement may be seating v43 preferably of rubber which is sufficiently rigid t0 hold the member 24 and its associated parts in a vertical position until all the ropes and the tube 1.1 are uncoiled and then to allow the member 24 to slip freely out of the cradle 43when the pull comes upon the guy ropes.

Upon the valve 37 being opened by pulling the handle 28 a large volume of air under pressure rushes through the pipe 38 1,75

as the ledge of the parachute is projected.-

clear of the box 35 it exerts a pull upon link 41 turning' the lever 40 and allowing the i valve 39 to be seated thus cutting 0H the supply of compressed air to the box 35 the .end of the link 41 at this moment slipping free of the slotted lever 40. Simultaneously with these operations compressed air is being fed through the pipe 11 and valve 8 to the tubular framework of the .covert so positively expanding theI parachute which then assumes the loadf thepilot as the pipe 1l becomes taut itexerts a pull upon the cords 42n thereby operating the links 43 and open' ended slotted levers 44 to project the shearing members 54 toward each other thus severing the air pipe 11 andallowing the flying machine to fall dfree of the parachute and the pilot suspended thereby..

Instead of 'severing the air 'pipe11 by means of a shearing device as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 5. I may 4provide a pull out joint similar to'that hereinafter vdescribed with reference to Fig. 7 and such a construction is illustrated in Fig. 12 wherein the slotted links 44 operated by the pull exerted on the ropes or the like 42 pull the levers 45 apart and soA allow the joint G7 in the pipe 11 to be broken. l

,It will of course be unlerstood that in the construction just described I may dispense with the tubular framework in ar manner similar to that described with reference to Fig. 4- and'utilize only the air pressure admitted to the box 35 to project the parachute clear ,thereofg In Figs. 3 and 5 ,I have show/n the opi erating handle 28 as mounted upon a toothed sector and having a' pawl so arranged that the handle during normal operation can be moved 'only in one direction so that it cannot be inadvertently returned 'and so shut olf the air supply. I have also shown a cord or chain 46 and seal 47 the unbroken condition of which indicates to the pilot that the `mechanism has not been tampered with. The reservoir 12 may .also be provided with a pressure. gage fork a like purpose. -v f The construction of the valve 8 located in the head 'of the parachute will now be described for which purpose reference is to be had more particularly to Fig. 6.

The valve casing 48 is formed With a flange 49 between which and the internally screwed flanged nut 50 taking onto the threaded nipple 51 a pair of preferably three-ply wood washers 52 are arranged to securely clamp the material of which the cover '4 of the parachute is constructed to .the valve. p

In the interior of the casing 48 a spring controlled valve 53 'is mounted adapted to opennnder the pressure of air admitted through the pipe 11 which is attached to the nipple 51. The casing 48 is also provided with four'threadecl nipples 54 4serving for connection to the pipes 6 (Fig. 2) for supplying the compressed air to the annular tube 2. Detachably secured to the casing 48 is a. relief valve 55 ports 56 being provided whereby any excess pressure in the pipes communicating with the valve may 'be discharged to the atmosphere.

The description of. my invention so far has been confined to parachutes carried by an aeroplane or the like but the invention also contemplates the use of parachutes in connection with. air ships or balloons in which case the device would be suspended from the car and the parachute expanded with the pilot seated before the parachute is separated from the air ship. In such circumstances it is necessary to introduce the compressed air to the tubular framework from the top of the head or nose of the parachute instead of from beneath as in the examples hereinbefore described and it is also necessary to providemeans under the control either of the person in the car of the v air ship or of the pilotl in the seat of the for gas tight connection with the air supplyl parachute whereby the expanded parachute may be released.

The means which I prefer to adopt to attainthese ends will now be described with particular reference to Fi,'gs.` 7 8, 9 and 10.

The valve 8 is reversed in the head of the y'parachute that is to say the nipple 51 projects upWard-see Fig. 7-and to said nipple isscrewed the long sleeved nut 66 in which is located a rubber joint 67 adapted pipe 11. Surrounding the nut 66 is an an nular member 68v havingfa boss or flange 69 thereon the purpose of which Will presently be explained. 70 (Fig. 7) ,indicates a shackle to which a rope 71 (Fig. .11) may be attached to support the weight of the passenger. v

Slung in a readily accessible position from the car is a releasing device the construction of which Will be readily understood from Fi s. 8 and 9. It comprises. a pair of crosse levers 57 58 pivoted at 59 and having at their upper ends internally threaded trunnion blocks 60 in which a .right and 'left hand screwed spindle 61 is flange carried by the bolt 65 'mounted on the Cross lever 57 serves to hold thejoint 67 normally in position. f

The passenger having taken his seat on the parachute thus suspended from the car compressed air is admitted to the tubular y framework by opening a valve on the air reservoir thereby fully expanding the cover as shown in Fig. 11. By rotating the hand wheel 62 the ends of the levers will be forced apart disengaging the members 62 from the boss 69 and so releasing the parachute, the weight of which in falling pulls the joint 67 apart and so separates the valve 8 from the air supply pipe 11.

Fig. 10 illustrates a modified form of releasing device adapted to be operated by the passenger vseated in the parachute. The construction is similar to that shown in Fig. 8 with the exception that the crossed levers 57 and 58 are separated by the passenger exerting a pull upon the rope 70 attached to a toggle joint 71. As the operation of this form of the device will be apparent from an inspection of the drawings I do not deem it necessary to append a detailed description thereof. y In cases Where my improved parachute 1s to be employed in connection with aero.

planes Where the pilot is strapped in, I may arrange the parachute seat (which as hereinbefore described fits into the permanent seat of the aeroplane) to be released When the lever controlling the air supply is pulled and I have illustrated one meansof effecting this in Fig. 13..v The parachute seat 25 :is

held by the bolts 72 attached to the crankedpivotally mounted levers 7 3 which are connected by the link 74. One of said levers 7 3 is connected by the rod 75 with the hand operated lever 28 in such a manner that when this latter is actuated to admit. the compressed air tothe parachute the seat 25 is automatically released. Similarly operated releases may be provided inxcases' Where aeroplanes are to be vflown upside down to elease the parachute from its restgor nesting I may nd it advantageous in some cases to construct the cover of the parachute in such a manner as to vvadmit the external air so as to destroy the internal vacuum when the tubular framework is being expanded by the compressed air and one manner of effecting this is illustrated in Fig. 1 where' the upper part of the cover 4: is formed with an annular opening 76 the edges of the material of which the cover is made overlapping as will be clearly understood upon reference to the drawings. Tapes 78 may be provided whereby the amount of opening may beregulated.

What I claim is:

1.` The combination with a parachute of a collapsible pneumatic framework, means for loosely attaching said framework to said parachute, a valve in the nose of said parachute, means for introducing a iuid under pressure from a reservoir carried by the air craft to said valve to expand said framework, and means `for automaticallyl severing the connections between the aircraft and the parachute.

2. The combination with a parachute and a nest box therefor, of a collapsible pneumatic framework loosely attached to said chute, means for introducing air under pressure from said reservoir to said nest box toproject the parachute therefrom, a shearing device for the pipe supplying air under pressureto said framework, and mea-ns for actuating said shearing device when the parachute reaches its limit of upward movement.

3. The combination with a parachute and a nest box therefor, ofan elastic envelop mounted in said nest box tol frictionally engage said parachute, means for introducing compressed air to the interior of the parachute and to the nest box, a-valve in said nest box and means associated with the parachute for operating said valve to interrupt the supply of air to said nest box when the edge of the parachute is clear thereof. v

f Evranu) incanti) ciLrHRor.

Witnesses 

